Clarence Powell, 95, of Monroe, Louisiana, passed away on Sunday, November 1, 2026.

Clarence was born in Colorado City, Texas on April 25, 1931. Introduced to Jesus as a young boy, he made the most important decision in his life, establishing a solid relationship with his Lord and Savior. He was a devoted husband to Letha, his wife of 73 years and a loving father to his children.

Near to his heart was the family of the Louisiana Baptist Children’s Home where he served as Director of Cottage Life for over 28 years. In addition to his ministry at the Children's Home, his other calling and great gift was to serve as Interim Pastor at scores of Baptist churches across northeast Louisiana.

Clarence was always eager to experience something new. He tried his hand at bungee jumping (just once!), white water rafting, took up jogging (in dress shoes!), and learned to play the violin and cello. He had a great fondness, if not the skill, for the latest technology gadget, and wrote 2 books well into his 80s.

Anyone who ever met Clarence would likely walk away with a story. He never met a stranger and loved to swap life histories, opinions, or a joke with anyone. Many times, his family could be found waiting for him in the car while he was engaging with a person he had just met in passing. These talks could often delay a departure, but Clarence always had a deeper purpose for these impromptu conversations. He rarely missed an opportunity to ask someone if they knew Jesus. His bold faith opened many discussions with others about God’s love and the saving grace brought to us through His Son.

Clarence is survived by sister, Janie McCoulsky, son, Dick Powell (Nancy), daughters, Karan Blankenship and Sara Barefoot (Robert); grandchildren, Anne Valenzano (Frank) and Nathan Powell (Amanda); Letha Currin (Chris) and Cori Stancil (Stephen); great grandchildren, Abigail, Ethan & Deacon Valenzano, Ethan & Jack Currin, and Meredith & Emilia Powell.

Clarence was preceded in death by his wife, Letha Powell, parents, Arizona and Wid Powell, brothers, Bill Powell, George Powell, Foy Powell, Troy Powell, Curtis Powell, A.C. Powell, Frank Powell, sister, Dorothy Word, daughter Donna Powell, and son in law, Dennis Blankenship.

Our deepest appreciation and gratitude are extended to the staff of Somerset Gardens and ACG Hospice who so lovingly cared for Clarence these last few years and weeks. Your kindness and care were a wonderful blessing to him and his family.

Visitation will be held at 12:00pm on Thursday, November 5, 2026, in the Chapel of the Louisiana Baptist Children’s Home (7200 Desiard St, Monroe LA), followed by a memorial service at 1:00pm in the same location. Dr. Bill Dye and Rev. Frank Valenzano will officiate under the direction of Mulhearn Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to the Louisiana Baptist Children’s Home or North Monroe Baptist Church Missions.